07/30/2009

[REFLECT] Road Trip-2: Dealing with Sin

The topic of dealing with sin is a huge one in the life of any Christ follower. For that reason, we're giving you a lot of reflection questions this week. Don't feel as though you need to answer every one. Instead, choose the ones that are the most applicable to you and start there.

"As long as we live in this world we cannot be fully without temptation, for, as Job says, the life of man upon earth is warfare. Therefore, every man should be well on guard against his temptations, and watch in prayer so that his spiritual enemy, who never sleeps but always goes about seeking whom he may devour, may find no time or place to deceive him." -Thomas a Kempis

Why is sin such a big deal in the lives of individuals as well as for the Church?

Are you facing any temptation right now? What do you stand to lose if you give in?

What are the good things in your life that you would like to preserve? What boundary lines can you draw around these things so that they are not destroyed by sin?

Is there anyone in your life that you're leading into sin, whether intentionally or unintentionally? What in their lives are you destroying by doing this? In other words, how could this be derailing them from God's plan for their lives?

How do you tend to respond when others rebuke you?

Why is rebuking others a necessary part of being a part of the body of Christ?

Why is it so hard to forgive others? Why does Jesus require us to forgive, not just once, but repeatedly?

Is there anyone in your life that you need to forgive?

"It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." -C.S. Lewis